Ekiti Election: Oyebanji Warns Against Violence

Ekiti State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Biodun Oyebanji, has warned against bloodshed and violence in the state’s forthcoming election.

The governor also said he has fulfilled the social contract he entered into with the people in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to making and keeping promises.

Speaking in Oye and Ikole-Ekiti at the commencement of his re-election campaign across the 16 local government areas ahead of the June 20 governorship poll, Oyebanji described the election as a “war of votes” rather than one of “guns and cutlasses.” He also described other contestants as worthy sons of the state who have the right to vie for the governorship seat.

He declared that his performance in infrastructure development, human capital development, agriculture, peacebuilding, and prudent resource management are clear evidence of his fidelity to campaign promises, making him deserving of a second term.

Oyebanji said Ikole Local Government has every reason to reward his administration with massive votes, noting that the council has the highest number of representatives in the State Executive Council and has benefited significantly from his government’s projects.

“When we came to you in 2022, we promised infrastructure, and we delivered. We promised roads, and we delivered. We promised electricity, and we delivered. Even in health facilities and schools, we have delivered. We promised financial support for market women, and we delivered.

“Above all, we promised security, and we have delivered. You knew the security situation in this council four years ago. With the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the state government, we have overcome this challenge. Ekiti is now rated as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

“Most especially, you all knew how the Itapaji–Irele–Ipao–Oke Ako corridor was in terms of security. We have restored peace. If a government is performing well, is it not right for it to continue?

“Most advanced countries of the world were built on continuity in governance and alignment of vision. What echoes across Ekiti today is that the BAO solution is working. If you believe we have done well, then let the good work continue.

“We have already won this election, but it goes beyond winning. Let all those who have PVCs come out and vote for the APC on election day. Go home and activate your unit canvassers. Let us spread the message of BAO to our people.

“We want to defeat the opposition 16–0 by winning in all 16 local governments, and we aim to win all 177 wards. That would be a record that has never been achieved before, and we want to set it in this election,” he said.

The governor stated that Ekiti cannot afford complacency in the governorship election, especially in view of the 2027 presidential election. He noted that other geopolitical zones are expecting strong voter turnout from the South-West.

“So, we must meet our target of 500,000 votes on June 20 and increase it to 700,000 for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he added.

Expressing confidence in Oyebanji’s victory, the Ekiti State APC Chairman, Barrister Sola Elesin, said the governor would secure a high number of votes across all 16 local governments. He praised Oyebanji’s performance in governance, peacebuilding, humility, and prudent management of resources.

“What we recorded in 2022 was just over 200,000 votes; our target now is 500,000. Let us work hard to achieve this on June 20. We can only do so if we come out massively, unit by unit, on election day to vote for the APC. The second term will be even better than the first,” he said.

Also speaking, a former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Paul Alabi, assured that Ikole Local Government would deliver the highest number of votes in the election to demonstrate support for the governor. He urged voters not to waste their votes on the opposition.

He added that stakeholders—including teachers, the traditional council, traders, commercial motorcyclists, widows, youths, and religious groups—are firmly behind the governor due to his generosity in appointments and infrastructural development.

A youth leader, Semiu Jimoh, said Oye Local Government would support the governor in appreciation of projects such as the renovation of general hospitals, construction of the Itapa–Omu–Ijelu road, youth empowerment through agriculture, and school renovations, among others.

According to the timetable released by the campaign council, the local government tour will end on May 13.